TSA Wait Times at Buffalo Niagara International Airport (BUF)
BUF airport does not have family-friendly "Families on the Fly" lanes yet.
BUF airport no longer requires taking shoes off at TSA.
Plan ahead and minimize your wait at Buffalo Niagara International Airport security checkpoints. The data below shows historical maximum wait times by day and hour to help you choose the best time to arrive.
Peak Wait Time
33 min
Mondays at 5 AM
Best Times to Go
Under 5 minutes
97 time slots with minimal wait
Morning Wait Times (AM)
| Hour | Mon | Tue | Wed | Thu | Fri | Sat | Sun |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 12 AM | - | - | - | - | - | - | - |
| 1 AM | - | - | - | - | - | - | - |
| 2 AM | - | - | - | - | - | - | - |
| 3 AM | 4m | 2m | 3m | 3m | 5m | 2m | 5m |
| 4 AM | 14m | 9m | 10m | 10m | 13m | 10m | 10m |
| 5 AM | 33m | 9m | 7m | 10m | 17m | 12m | 20m |
| 6 AM | 6m | 4m | 4m | 3m | 2m | 2m | 3m |
| 7 AM | 3m | 3m | 3m | 2m | 1m | 1m | 2m |
| 8 AM | 3m | 3m | 3m | 4m | 4m | 3m | 2m |
| 9 AM | 5m | 5m | 8m | 6m | 7m | 5m | 5m |
| 10 AM | 7m | 3m | 7m | 7m | 6m | 6m | 6m |
| 11 AM | 3m | 3m | 3m | 3m | 2m | 4m | 2m |
Afternoon & Evening Wait Times (PM)
| Hour | Mon | Tue | Wed | Thu | Fri | Sat | Sun |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 12 PM | 5m | 3m | 4m | 9m | 4m | 3m | 3m |
| 1 PM | 5m | 4m | 4m | 15m | 5m | 4m | 4m |
| 2 PM | 6m | 4m | 4m | 7m | 3m | 10m | 5m |
| 3 PM | 3m | 4m | 4m | 4m | 4m | 8m | 5m |
| 4 PM | 5m | 3m | 4m | 6m | 4m | 5m | 5m |
| 5 PM | 6m | 4m | 6m | 5m | 5m | 5m | 5m |
| 6 PM | 5m | 2m | 3m | 3m | 4m | 2m | 3m |
| 7 PM | 2m | 1m | 2m | 2m | 1m | 1m | 2m |
| 8 PM | 1m | 1m | 1m | 1m | 1m | 1m | 1m |
| 9 PM | - | - | - | 1m | - | 1m | 1m |
| 10 PM | - | - | - | - | - | - | 1m |
| 11 PM | - | - | - | - | - | - | - |
Wait Time Legend
Tips for BUF Security
- Arrive at least 2 hours before domestic flights and 3 hours for international flights
- Consider TSA PreCheck or CLEAR for expedited screening
- Check peak times above and plan to arrive during lower-traffic periods when possible
- Have your ID and boarding pass ready before reaching the checkpoint
- Remove laptops and liquids from bags if you don't have TSA PreCheck
BUF TSA Wait Times FAQ
How long are TSA wait times at Buffalo Niagara International Airport?
TSA wait times at BUF vary by day and time. Peak waits can reach 33 minutes on Mondays around 5 AM. The best times to go through security are early morning or late evening, with 97 time slots showing waits under 5 minutes.
What is the best time to go through security at BUF?
The best times to go through TSA security at BUF are typically early morning (before 6 AM) and late evening. Our data shows 97 time slots with wait times under 5 minutes. Avoid Mondays around 5 AM when waits are longest.
Should I get TSA PreCheck for BUF?
TSA PreCheck can significantly reduce your wait time at Buffalo Niagara International Airport. PreCheck members enjoy expedited screening with shorter lines, and don't need to remove shoes, laptops, liquids, belts, or light jackets. If you fly more than twice a year, the $78 fee (valid for 5 years) is usually worth it.
How early should I arrive at BUF airport?
For domestic flights at Buffalo Niagara International Airport, arrive at least 2 hours before departure. For international flights, arrive 3 hours early. During peak times (like Mondays at 5 AM), consider arriving even earlier as waits can exceed 33 minutes.